Miranda Rights are the rights you have after being arrested by law enforcement. In most situations, your arresting officer is required to inform you of these rights at the time of your arrest if you are subject to further police questioning. It’s crucial that you know these rights at all times, as you never know when you may need to use them.
A Brief History of Miranda Rights
Miranda Rights are a relatively recent legal requirement. In 1966, the Supreme Court decided on Arizona v. Miranda, which established that ‘all criminal suspects must be advised of their rights prior to interrogation.’ Oftentimes, we see the police inform a suspect of their Miranda Rights at the time of arrest.
What Are Your Miranda Rights?
Your Miranda Rights are:
The right to remain silent
The right to an attorney
The right to consult with an attorney before and during any police questioning
The right to be provided with free legal counsel
The Miranda Warning also informs suspects that anything they say can be used against them in a future case. However, this is true of anything said to the police at any time– not just after arrest. This is something that suspects must know on their own.
The Importance of These Rights
These rights give criminal suspects protection and knowledge during one of the scariest times of their life. Imagine you are unexpectedly pulled over. You might feel powerless, but with your Miranda Rights, you can take steps to protect yourself. It’s crucial that you know these rights at all times– do not always rely on the police to inform you. Sometimes, the police do not Mirandize suspects which can lead to severe issues with the case down the line.
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Salt Lake City
If you were recently arrested in the Salt Lake City area, contact our defense attorneys as soon as possible. We will have your back throughout your entire case, ultimately working to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Share the details of your charges during an initial case consultation; call us at (801) 829-9783 to make an appointment.